When a third very close friend bought a house Mid Cape Cod, I knew it was time for a visit. I had been there years ago, briefly, but had always wanted to explore the Cape thoroughly, and now was my chance. My friends let me know their guest room available for few days in late August when I was in Hartford for business, so off I went. I really didn’t expect to fall in love the way I did.
I know the Cape is large and varied, and I certainly didn’t see all of it (yet), but what I did get to explore was just fantastic. I love the languid pace, the close proximity to so many beaches, shops and restaurants. I slid into the lazy feeling which permeates each day, the slowed-down lifestyle (‘Groundhog Day’ my friend calls it), and the soulfulness of being immersed in the greens and blues of nature. Mornings tended to be misty, so we woke slowly, walked the dog, and made breakfast which we ate on the deck. By noontime we were loading up the jeep and trekking ‘Over Sand’ to set up shop for the afternoon on a remote stretch of beach, having driven by simple, off the grid cottages, owned by the same families for generations. Nothing but us, the sea gulls and sun and sand, with the occasional seal floating by.
Wellfleet was a great spot for a late lunch or early dinner; my favorite place is called The Bookstore. Their natural wine list, spinach artichoke dip and of course, clam chowder are still on my mind. Mac’s provides the freshest seafood possible, in a simple, rustic setting right on the harbor.
Hog Island Brewery is another of my favs for a quick libation and conversation in the sun. Eastham Beach is a quiet, scenic stop, and of course the Cape Cod National Seashore is perfection unto itself, especially when enjoying cocktails around a fire pit!
We did the requisite Provincetown stroll; drag queen karaoke at Gov. Bradford’s tavern is a must for anyone’s Cape Cod exploration list! I bought natural oils for my diffuser, and rock n roll albums in a small shop in Orleans. At The Chatham Squire, a funky, casual spot where we sat at the bar, I indulged in fish n chips and a good Pinot Gris from Oregon. We drove by the many upscale Inns such as Chatham Bars Inn and of course they are lovely, if your name is Chad and you wear pink sweaters. ( Apologies to all the Chads reading this.)
I ended up spending six days total on the Cape, as I would have driven right into Ida’s path if I had left as scheduled. I didn’t mind the extra time! Now I am planning another visit in mid-October. This time I will spend a couple of days exploring Falmouth, and take the ferry to Oak Bluff on the Vineyard for an afternoon; my GF tells me the air is magical on the Vineyard. I am looking forward to the Fall crispness and colors, as well as that off-season vibe. I love finding a new get-away spot I can drive to, which fits right in with my Philly to Maine lifestyle!!
Now the only question is; who will rendezvous with me for a Cape Escape?!